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Authorities Step Up Search for ‘AK-47 Bandit’ – Jim Nash reports

CHINO, Calif. (KTLA) — Authorities from three states, including California, plus the FBI, are stepping up their search for the so-called AK-47 Bandit.

The suspect shot a Chino police officer after robbing a bank there last year and he’s been named after his weapon: the AK-47 Bandit.

Investigators think he may be a former police officer or have a military background.

Police chiefs from 3 states and the FBI want him before he strikes again.

The chief of police from Rexburg, Idaho, joined the chief of North Bend, Washington, the FBI and the chief of Chino police, where the so-called “AK-47 Bandit” hit the California Bank & Trust in Chino last February.

As he left, the bandit was met by an arriving Chino officer.

The gunman fired 6 shots from his assault-style rifle, equipped with a 75-round drum magazine.

One shot hit the officer, who’s still recovering.

He’s suspected in at least 5 bank robberies in California, Washington and Idaho.

The suspect has deep blue eyes. He’s white, 25 to 40 years-old with a stocky-build and has an authoritative voice, which was recorded from his 9-1-1 phony bomb scare call to Chino police as a diversion tactic before he robbed the bank.

A 100-thousand-dollar reward is offered to help catch the AK-47 Bandit.